What is Scaled Agile Framework® or SAFe®?
Scaled Agile Framework® or SAFe® is an online, freely
revealed knowledge base of proven success patterns for implementing Lean-Agile
software and systems development at enterprise scale.[1]
SAFe®, as the name indicates can be applied or scaled to
various levels of an organization. Its
principles can be applied to the Team, Program, Value Stream or the Portfolio
level.
There are Nine Principles of SAFe[2]
1.
Take an economic view
2.
Apply systems thinking
3.
Assume variability; preserve options
4.
Build incrementally with fast, integrated
learning cycles
5.
Base milestones on objective evaluation of
working systems
6.
Visualize and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes and
manage queue lengths
7.
Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
8.
Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge
workers
9.
Decentralize decision-making
These principles are built off the Agile Manifesto
Principles (http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html
)
Organizations who have implemented SAFe are getting
outstanding business benefits[3]:
·
20 – 50% increase in productivity
·
50%+ increases in quality
·
30 – 75% faster time to market
·
Measurable increases in employee engagement and
job satisfaction
Their website is really cool! Here is a screenshot from the homepage:
But, on their site it's not just a picture. It is very dynamic! Each icon or image contains a hyperlink that
will allow you to drill into more information about the item. Just like the definition states; "an online, freely
revealed knowledge base." Give it a try: http://www.scaledagileframework.com
Regardless of the type of product you are delivering here
are a few tips for implementing SAFe:[4]
·
Have the business engaged the whole way.
·
Tailor your agile process to the culture.
·
If Agile doesn’t fit a particular type of work,
don’t force it.
·
Quickly agree on the initial level of process, tools
and governance required for your organization. Agree that these processes must
and will change. Learn to fail fast, learn from the mistakes, and relentlessly
improve.
·
Automate everything you can such as build,
deployment, testing and release. The more you automate the smaller your teams
and the documentation of yesterday is now in code.
For more information on Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®),
visit this
link.
Note: You may find this book helpful:
